Thin Cloth Now a Security Risk

Looks like the Tehrik-i-Taliban has set its sights on a new target: un-Islamic kapra.

An attack on cloth merchants in Wana on July 26 was motivated by a desire to crush the production of “clothes that don’t properly cover the human body,” i.e. clothes made of thin, see-through fabric.

What this represents is the TTP’s blatant disregard for consideration of others’ property as they pursue what they see as a holy mission. With the economic downturn in Pakistan dragging down profit margins from Karachi to the Karakoram cottage industry, attacks such as these make doing business even harder.

Less business means less money. Which means more anger and, perhaps, in a supremely ironic move, more support for radical elements. Meanwhile, the Pakistani economy bleeds and more aid becomes necessary. Cue further anti-American hostilities. A self-destructive cycle is being created.